ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
Experts discuss road map for electric vehicle technologies at a brainstorming session
Leading experts discuss the R&D needs of electric vehicles and deliberated on a road map for electric vehicle technologies at a brainstorming session.
“For India to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070, it would need de-carbonisation of the economy in a big way in several sectors. Transportation is one of them where transition to electric vehicles and green hydrogen will be of critical important,” said Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Advisor, Department of Science and Technology . Appreciating the large participation from the diverse stakeholder groups at the session he said that DST has already done considerable work in promoting R&D in EV in the last few years. There is a need to continue such efforts.
The day-long brainstorming session was organized by the Department of Science & Technology  on 20th April 2022 chaired by Dr. Akhilesh Gupta.
A comprehensive technology program is needed that includes the development of appropriate battery systems like a solid-state battery which can withstand the high ambient temperature in tropical regions. Besides, given the large scope of activities required to be conducted, and the need for suitable flexibility in program management, there is a need to organise research programs as special purpose vehicles that can coordinate with several industries and academic institutions,” said Dr. K Balasubramanian, Director NFTDC.
Dr. Tata Narasingha Rao, Director, ARCI analysed the various subsystems involved in the electric vehicle battery as also the assembly and manufacturing processes involved in ensuring the safety of battery systems so that they do not lead to fire safety hazards. He also explained the immediate action required for ensuring high quality and safe battery pack.
Presenting a comprehensive road map for technology development in India for the various electric vehicle components starting from basic research to applied research, application, engineering, and industrialization, Prof. Karthick Athmanathan, IIT Madras emphasised that considering the diversity of electric vehicle platforms and models that will be in India there is an opportunity to work at all levels and gain tremendous technology capabilities.
Mr. Sajid Mubashir, Scientist DST elaborated on the major contributions by DST in the various initiatives by the Governments of India in promoting electric mobility in the country and highlighted that the department has helped to develop the full set of Indian Standards required for EV Charging Infrastructure, and recently contributed the draft standards for Battery as a Service  for Light EV like scooters and autorickshaws.
Around 200 stakeholders from ministries, R&D labs, academia, and industry, who participated in the session, discussed the need to focus on acquiring capability in the major EV subsystems like the battery, motor, and power electronics and ways to overcome the various challenges to meet the Government target to bring about a big shift towards electric mobility to reach about 30% of vehicle population by the year 2030.
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NITI Aayog
India Can Save Logistics Fuel Worth ₹311 Lakh Crore between 2020 and 2050: Report
New Analysis by NITI Aayog and RMI Highlights India’s Potential to Save 10 Gigatonnes of Cumulative C02 over the Next Three Decades
NITI Aayog, RMI and RMI India’s new report,Fast Tracking Freight in India: A Roadmap for Clean and Cost-Effective Goods Transport,presents key opportunities for India to reduce its logistics costs.
Due to the rising demand for goods and services, freight transport demand is expected to grow rapidly in the future. While freight transport is essential to economic development, it is plagued by high logistics costs and contributes to rising CO2emissionsand air pollution in cities.
According to the report, India has the potential to:
- Reduce its logistics cost by 4% of GDP
- Achieve 10 gigatonnes of cumulative CO2 emissions savings between 2020 and 2050
- Reduce nitrogen oxide  and particulate matter  emissions by 35% and 28%, respectively, until 2050
“Freight transportation is a critical backbone of India’s growing economy, and now more than ever, it’s important to make this transport system more cost-effective, efficient, and cleaner. Efficient freight transport will also play an essential role in realising the benefits of existing government initiatives such as Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and Digital India,” saidSudhendu J. Sinha, Adviser , NITI Aayog.
As India’s freight activity grows five-fold by 2050 and about 400 million citizens move to cities, a wholesystem transformation can help uplift the freight sector.
“This transformation will be defined by tapping into opportunities such as efficient rail-based transport, the optimisation of logistics and supply chains, and shift to electric and other clean-fuel vehicles. These solutions can help India save ₹311 lakh crore cumulatively over the next three decades,” said Clay Stranger, Managing Director, RMI.
The report outlines solutions for the freight sector related topolicy, technology, market, business models and infrastructure development. The recommendations includeincreasing the rail network’s capacity, promoting intermodal transport, improving warehousing and trucking practices, policy measures and pilot projects for clean technology adoption, and stricter fuel economy standards.
When successfully deployed at scale, the proposed solutions can help India establish itself as a leader in logistics innovation and efficiency in the Asia–Pacific region and beyond.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Minister Shripad Naik hands over 64 appointment letters Under Rozgar Mela, in a programme held in Goa
Goa: 22 November 2022
Under Rozgar Mela, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the second tranche of about 71,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits via video conferencing. Union Minister of State of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Tourism Shri.Shripad Naik handed over 64 appointment letters to recruits in Goa. Office of Commandant, CISF Unit, Mormugao Port Authority, Goa organised the programme. Commandant, CISF Ranjit Kumar Sahni, Vice Chairman MPA Shri Guruprasad Rai were present on this occasion.
Union Minister handed over 64 appointment letters to new recruits in Central Armed Forces.
Addressing the new recruits Shripad Naik said that Rozgar mela is a step towards the fulfilment of a commitment of the government to accord highest priority to employment generation. The Rozgar Mela is expected to act as a catalyst to further employment generation and provide meaningful opportunities to the youth.
Earlier in October appointment letters were handed over to 75 thousand new inducted appointees under Rozgar Mela. Significant number of posts are being filled by Ministry of Home Affairs in various Central Armed Forces, added Shri Naik.
Shri Naik further said the online orientation course for all new appointees in various Government departments which is part of the recruitment drive will help candidates to grow in their lives. They will also get an opportunity to explore other courses on igotkarmayogi.gov.in platform to enhance their knowledge, skills and competencies.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Smart Cities Mission Technology Showcased
Smart Cities Mission, in partnership with Invest India and the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India organized the Smart Cities Mission Technology Showcase in Pune. Pune Smart City Development Corporation Ltd. was the host smart city for the event. The aim of the event held on 30th August 2019 was to bring forward the best technologies in four focus areas:
- Traffic management, transport and mobility, pollution management
- Water, sanitation and solid waste management
- Safety, surveillance and security
- Social 
The solutions in the above focus sectors will help solve some of the pressing issues faced by Indian smart cities today. The showcase was a first step towards bringing the innovation ecosystem and smart cities closer to contributing towards the development of smart cities.
The start-ups and national science and technology research labs presented their solutions to smart city CEOs during small round table discussions wherein each CEO along with knowledge partners interacted with start-ups and research labs to understand their solutions better and identify possible synergies. The knowledge partners present at the event gave their inputs for the solutions presented to help them customize their innovation for smart cities.
Twelve smart city CEOs from Maharashtra and Gujarat along with various knowledge partners and R&D labs were present at the event. A total of nine start-ups got an excellent opportunity to present their technologies, interact and network with the various stakeholders present there.
Smart city CEOs expressed intent to work with the start-ups and further materialise pathways to deploy these solutions in their respective smart cities. To take the initiative forward, Invest India along with Smart Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will organize similar technology showcases in other zones of India as well.
Ministry of Power
Team NTPC beats 112 organisations to emerge winner at AIMA - Chanakya  National Management Games 2020
Team NTPC overcame a stiff challenge to emerge as winner at the recently concluded All India Management Association  - Chanakya  National Management Games  2020. The victory was also significant since NTPC won the prestigious National Management Games for the first time in five years. NTPC Limited, the Central PSU under Ministry of Power mentioned in a statement that the team from NTPC Vallur, Tamil Nadu achieved the feat of being crowned the national champion after competing against teams from 112 organisations from different parts of the country.
The team comprised Shri Chinnathambi G, Manager, C&I Maintenance; Shri Senkguttuvan P J, Manager, Operations ; Shri Yoginderkumar J, Manager, Operation from NTPC Vallur. Team NTPC Vallur qualified for the regional rounds, which was held online and subsequently qualified for the Finals.
Located in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur District, the 1500 MW Vallur Thermal Power Station is operated by NTPC Tamil Nadu Energy Company Limited , a joint venture between NTPC Limited and Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company .
More teams from NTPC brought laurels for India's largest power generating company with combined team of NTPC Talcher Kaniha and SSC-ER II  from Odisha emerging as runner-up in the southern regional round of AIMA Chanakya NMG 2020.
Shri Deepak Ranjan Sahoo, Shri Khageshwar Pradhan & Shri Ramani Kanta Jena from NTPC Talcher Kaniha & SSC-ER II were part of the team.
16 winning teams of NTPC Business Minds 2020 were nominated for the event and subsequently 2 teams qualified for the national finals. NTPC won the competition earlier in 2015 while the power major had emerged as runner-up in 2016 and 2017.
AIMA Chanakya National Management Games, an online Business Simulation Game conducted every year is aimed at ensuring that participating executives from various industries get an introduction to the complexities of running an organisation and gain expertise and skills from this event.
National Management Games  is one of its kind platform for Corporate Managers to face the thrill of Managing Business in a competitive mode. It is one of the most anticipated and reputable annual events based on Business Management Simulation, conducted by AIMA .
The participants experience the complexities of running a company by focusing on resource management, market trends, cost analysis, product positioning, production planning, and inventory control. NMG is conducted in 2 levels; one at the Regional round , and the second is the Final round.
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Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
SECI and HPCL sign MoU to realize GOI’s green energy objectives and efforts towards carbon-neutral economy
MOU envisages cooperation and collaboration in the field of Renewable Energy, Electric Mobility, and alternative fuels
In order to realize green energy objectives and the GOI’s efforts towards carbon-neutral economy, a Memorandum of Understanding  has been signed between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited  and Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI on 24th February 2022 in New Delhi. The MoU was signed by Sh. Shuvendu Gupta, Chief General Manager- Biofuels & Renewables, HPCL, and Sh. Sanjay Sharma, Executive Director, SECI. The MOU envisages cooperation and collaboration in the field of Renewable Energy, Electric Mobility, and alternative fuels including the development of ESG Projects.
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited , has been at the forefront of RE capacity development and has been credited for bringing the lowest RE tariffs in the Country. SECI is engaged in the promotion and development of various renewable energy resources, especially Solar/Wind energy, RE-based Storage Systems, Waste to Energy, trading of power, R&D Projects as well as RE base products like Green Hydrogen, green Ammonia, RE powered EV, etc. In line with GOI’s objective of RE Capacity development and faster adoption of Electric Mobility in the Country, HPCL intends to further diversify in the RE Sector and Electric Mobility sector and to take up the development of ESG projects.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister takes part in cleanliness drive
Ankit Baiyanpuria also joins Prime Minister in this initiative
Today as nation is observing cleanliness drive on the clarion call by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Everyone has dedicated one hour towards cleanliness which will help to build bright future for the country.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi also took part in this cleanliness drive along with Ankit Baiyanpuria. Ankit is a fitness influencer.
Prime Minister shared a video on his X post in which he can be seen talking about the importance of cleanliness and fitness in our daily life. PM also talked about his daily life routine and asked about Ankit’s fitness funda.
In a X post, the Prime Minister said;
“Today, as the nation focuses on Swachhata, Ankit Baiyanpuriya and I did the same! Beyond just cleanliness, we blended fitness and well-being also into the mix. It is all about that Swachh and Swasth Bharat vibe! @baiyanpuria”
Ministry of Communications
Extension of last date to receive comments/counter comments on TRAI Consultation Paper on 'Assignment of Spectrum for Space-based Communication Services'
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India  had released a Consultation Paper on ‘Assignment of Spectrum for Space-based Communication Services' on April 06, 2023. The last date for receiving written comments on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper from the stakeholders was fixed as May 04, 2023 and for counter comments as May 18, 2023.
Keeping in view the request of stakeholders and Industry associations for extension of time for submission of comments, it has been decided to extend the last date for submission of written comments and counter comments up to May 18, 2023 and June 01, 2023 respectively. No further requests for an extension would be considered.
The comments/ counter comments may be sent to Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor , TRAI, preferably in electronic form at advmn@trai.gov.in and he may be contacted for any clarification/information at Telephone Number +91-11-23210481.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Air India: steps taken to cut losses
The Government had approved a Turnaround Plan  / Financial Restructuring Plan  for operational and financial turnaround of Air India. The TAP/FRP provides equity infusion of Rs.30,231 crores upto 2021 subject to achievement of certain milestones. The Company has made substantial progress in both operational as well as financial areas as per TAP Milestones. As a part of the turnaround strategy, the company, with the overall support of the government, has initiated a number of steps in order to cut costs and losses. These steps, inter-alia, include the following:
i. Route rationalization of erstwhile Air India  & Indian Airlines  route and elimination of route network involving parallel operations.
ii. Rationalization of certain loss making routes.
iii. Enhanced utilization of new fleet resulting in production of higher Available Seat Kilometers .
During the last three years Air India initiated a number of steps including various phase market initiatives. The steps inter-alia include the following:
1. Introduction of New Routes.
2. Preferred seat selection on domestic and international routes.
3. Flash sale of seats to increase revenues and Passenger Load Factor .
4. To utilize unsold inventory/launching of airfare equivalent to Rajdhani IIAC fare on select sectors.
5. Dynamic pricing and introduction of Advance Purchase fare.
6. Various sales and Marketing Initiatives.
This information was given by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Jayant Sinha in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
C.V. DEEPAK TAKES OVER AS NEW AIRPORT DIRECTOR, CHENNAI AIRPORT
Shri C.V. Deepak took over as the Airport Director, Airports Authority of India, Chennai Airport on 27.05.2023. He took charge from Shri S. S. Raju, Officiating Airport Director , Chennai Airport.
Hitherto, Shri. C.V. Deepak was General Manager  Taxation Cell, Corporate Headquarters, New Delhi.
He joined AAI as a management trainee and was posted as Manager  IGI Airport, New Delhi in 1996 June and later worked in various capacities in Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi Airports and also with the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India . He has served as General Manager  in Chennai Airport from June 2015 - Jan 2021.
Ministry of Defence
Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise Vinbax 2022 Concludes at Chandimandir
Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise VINBAX 2022 concluded at Chandimandir with an impressive display of Multi Agency Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Relief  demonstration and an equipment display showcasing the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The exercise had commenced on 01 August and was focused on deployment of Army Engineer and Medical teams in UN Peacekeeping operations. What made the exercise unique was the fact that it was the first time ever that the Vietnam People’s Army  was undertaking a Field Training Exercise with any foreign Army. The fact that Vietnam chose India for this honour, speaks volumes about the value the two countries place on their mutual relationship.
Over a period of three weeks, the soldiers of the two Armies rubbed shoulders with each other learning from each other and sharing best practices. Vietnam has deployed a contingent in UN peacekeeping operations for the first time in South Sudan while India has a long and rich tradition of contributing to UN peacekeeping operations. The contingents from the two countries underwent theory classes followed by practical exercises to validate the learning. The final validation exercise nicknamed ‘Men in Blue’ was built around the setting up of a base in a remote African location faced with myriad challenges.
The closing ceremony was attended by H.E Pham Sanh Chau the Ambassador of Vietnam to India and a high-level observer delegation of VPA who had flown down especially for the purpose. On the Indian side Lt Gen Nav Kumar Khanduri, GOC in C Western Comd presided over the event which was hosted by Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, GOC Kharga Corps. Speaking on the occasion the dignitaries emphasised the close relationship and convergence of interests between Vietnam and India.
The next edition of VINBAX will be hosted in Vietnam in 2023.
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Record paddy procurement at MSP projected this year- Shri Piyush Goyal
Government taking proactive steps to ensure affordable onions
Government ensuring moderate potato prices
Steps are being taken to moderate prices of pulses
Food Cooperation of India and state agencies are all set to procure a record quantity of 742 LMT paddy during the ongoing Kharif crop season as against 627 LMT paddy last year. The number of purchase centres for Kharif 2020-21 have also been increased from 30,709 to 39,122. Stating this at a media interaction, Mr Piyush Goyal, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public distribution also said that the procurement season had been advanced to 26/09/2020 in view of the early arrival of paddy in the market.
Record Paddy Procurement projected this year
The minister also spoke about the proactive steps to ensure affordable onions. The steps taken to moderate crisis are-
Proactive ban on onion export is imposed from 14/09/2020. DGFT is facilitating import by private players. The Essential commodities act is invoked for onion stock limit of 25MT for wholesaler and 2MT for retailer, w.e.f. 23/10/2020. The Export of onion seeds is prohibited from 2020 and the disposal of onion from buffer stock is being done in order to provide relief to the people in view of the soaring onion prices.
Shri Piyush Goyal also said that the government is ensuring that steps are being taken to moderate potato prices. The import duty on potato was earlier 30%. Now, quota of 10 LMT @10% duty for import of potato till 31/01/20221 is notified.
Similarly, Steps have been taken to moderate the prices of pulses. There has been retail intervention in three pulses, viz. Moong, Urad and Tur Dal by supplying pulses from buffer stocks to States/UTs. 2 LMT of Tur from the buffer stock is to be disposed through open market sale in the next 15 Days.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union Agriculture Minister chairs meeting with the Agriculture Ministers of the States regarding PM-Kisan
No eligible farmer should be deprived of Samman Nidhi- Shri Narendra Singh Tomar
The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has always been emphasizing on increasing the income of farmers and working for their socio-economic empowerment. Besides, the Central Government has taken several initiatives for the welfare of the Agriculture sector. Among these, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi  scheme is an important initiative. Progress of this scheme was reviewed by the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a virtual meeting with the Agriculture Ministers of the States today. During the meeting, Shri Tomar said that no eligible farmer should be deprived of the benefits of this scheme. He also asked the States to complete the work of data verification and updation at the earliest.
Under the PM-KISAN, eligible farmers are given Rs. 6,000 in 3 equal instalments of Rs. 2,000 each every year, so that they can meet the agricultural and allied expenses along with the domestic needs. Since its launch in February-2019, 11 instalments have been disbursed under the PM-KISAN. More than Rs. 2 lakh crore has been transferred to about 11.37 crore eligible farmers through this scheme.
The benefit of PM-Kisan is given only to the farmers with land holdings. A database is being created for quick identification of eligible farmers for PM-KISAN and other schemes and farmers' welfare schemes to be launched in the future. It will have all the information including Aadhaar, bank account of farmers and the land records of farmers will be linked with their records. The land records of the States will have to be digitally converted to create the database. Today’s meeting was held in this regard.
Agriculture Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Bihar also presented their views in the meeting. Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja and Additional Secretary Shri Abhilaksh Likhi were present in the meeting along with Ministers/senior officers of other States. Joint Secretary and CEO of PM-Kisan, Dr. Pramod Kumar Meherda gave a presentation on the scheme.